Not surprisingly, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail Lincoln is noted for. Today’s modern day Lincolns are far and away some of the best ever built, with emphasis on luxury and outstanding comfort mixed with a good dose of performance and cornering abilities.

Our MKC featured Reserve trim with AWD and features the noted Lincoln plush interior and a push-button SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift abilities. Along with a bevy of safety and luxury amenities, the MKC is an attractive five passenger SUV available in front drive or AWD. The Reserve front drive starts at $39,645 while the AWD starts at $43,120. The entry Premiere starts at $32,880, while Select starts at $35,880. Top line Black Label comes in at a base price of $45,635.

New for 2017 is the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone to the Sync3 infotainment system. A power liftgate is also now standard, as is an automatic brake hold (hill assist) feature.

Our MKC Reserve is a beautiful rendition of what a modern crossover should be, and then some. Thanks to a bevy of standard features and two engines to choose from, the MKC is a fine choice in this now overly crowded luxury compact class. We especially like the quiet interior that each and every MKC features.

Two EcoBoost turbocharged engines are available, including the standard 2.0 turbo that delivers 240-horses and 270 lb. ft. of torque while a 2.3 turbo ($1,140 more) ups output to 285 horses and 305 lb. ft. of torque. All Wheel Drive MKC’s come standard with the larger 2.3 turbo engine.

Our MKC delivered decent acceleration and the turbo advantage made easy the task of merging onto a four lane highway or making a quick pass on secondary two lane roads. EPA fuel mileage for the more powerful 2.3 EcoBoost AWD is 18 city and 25 highway while front-drive MKCs deliver 21 and 28, respectively, with the standard 2.0 EcoBoost engine.

One of the major options our MKC featured is a recommended $2,295 Technology Package that adds active park assist, adaptive cruise control with collision warning, forward sensing system and lane keep assist. This is a fair price for the upgrades you’ll receive in this day of high tech vehicle safety.

Some of the countless standard features include a power vista roof with power shade, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, voice-activated navigation system, heated and cooled front seats, cross traffic alert, embedded modem, voice-activated Navigation and much more. Our tester added some extra zing thanks to 20-inch all-season tires on polished aluminum wheels that add $1,145 to the final tally. A Climate Package for $605 and floor mats for $90 brought the final tally to $47,605 with $925 included for destination. There are current dealer incentives available that lower the price so check with your local Lincoln dealer.

With its small SUV classification by the EPA, Lincoln MKC will impress driver and passengers with its “larger SUV” feel. The Lincoln Sync3 system, which debuted in 2016, is easy to operate and offers a smaller learning curve than the Lincoln “My Lincoln Touch” system previously offered.

From a strict visual standpoint, all Lincolns share a special exterior look that is “Lincoln distinct” and there are several new models for 2017 that we hope to drive soon, including the all-new upscale Lincoln Continental and sibling MKZ sedan, both available now at your Lincoln dealer.

Modern day tech items are standard and include everything from a rear camera with reverse sensing to an automatic rear cargo hatch with hands free abilities. All the air bags and numerous other safety features are standard as Lincoln MKC earns four and five star government safety ratings across the board. Your Lincoln dealer will gladly explain in detail all features when you visit the showroom.

The independent suspension and four-wheel ABS discs with traction control make for steady handling while the fully automatic 4WD adds to the driving security. The rear passengers, albeit tight if three adults try to snuggle in, will appreciate the extra legroom available.

Lincoln MKC in any dress is a statement of good taste and an excellent selection in this crammed market. You’ll also appreciate Lincoln amenities like the small A-pillar vent windows that won’t hide sight of traffic on the left or right from your view to Lincoln entry door illumination.

The 2017 Lincoln MKC is a worthy competitor for the consumer dollar, so test drive one if shopping the luxury compact SUV/Crossover market.

Likes: EcoBoost engines, luxurious cabin, good looker, quiet interior.Dislikes: Less cargo capacity than competitors, tight rear seat for three adults. — Greg Zyla writes weekly for More Content Now and other GateHouse Media publications. He welcomes reader questions at greg@gregzyla.com.